Launched in 2011 by Al Preston and Ian Griffiths, WhoCanFixMyCar.com claims to have become “the biggest” online marketplace for the aftersales sector and Preston has said that the business is targeting further growth.

Preston said: “The plan will be to keep scaling our activities and consolidate our position in the UK.

"We are also focusing on new products and solutions that will further benefit our garage network and provide car owners with a better, richer experience when it comes to car maintenance and repairs.”

Shell has invested via its corporate venture capital arm, Shell Ventures, which supports both business and fund-led deals in areas of strategic interest for Shell.

This investment follows the development of the Shell Helix Service Specialist Network, a recently launched scheme which allows independent workshops on the WhoCanFixMyCar.com site to be officially associated with Shell.

Shell’s executive vice president for global commercial, Huibert Vigeveno, said: “The aftermarket sector is changing rapidly as technology savvy customers seek products and services which are easier and more convenient to use.

“Shell wants to be at the forefront of shaping those products and services. Digital and services partnerships such as this investment in WhoCanFixMyCar.com are very much part of our future growth strategy.”